Materials & Processes Technologist II

JPL/NASA•Pasadena, CA

2d•$99,840 - $130,312•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials & Processes Technologist II works in the Thermal, Propulsion, and Materials Engineering Section (353) and is a member of the Materials & Processes, Testing & Development Group (353M), reporting to the Group Supervisor. The section supports design, analysis, fabrication, testing, integration, and operations of thermal and propulsion flight systems, as well as materials and process engineering, contamination control engineering, materials testing, and analytical chemistry for technology and flight programs. The role carries out moderately complex materials engineering activities with minor supervision, supporting hardware throughout design, manufacture, integration, testing, and Assembly, Test and Launch Operations. It also provides laboratory support in JPL’s Materials Testing Laboratories service department, including testing and development work involving thermal vacuum testing, surface preparation, adhesive bonding, and metallography. The successful candidate will work with engineers, scientists, project teams, and other partners, and may provide work direction to other personnel or part-time students. The position is suited to an adaptable, high-energy professional who is comfortable navigating ambiguity and working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The typical full-time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California, is $99,840–$130,312.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related technical discipline, plus at least 3 years of related experience; alternatively, a master’s degree in a similar discipline plus at least 1 year of related experience, or a Ph.D. in a similar discipline.
Familiarity with materials laboratory equipment, tools, and processes and their use, such as mechanical testing, metallography, microscopy, adhesive bonding, and failure analysis.
Experience writing, reviewing, or supporting science research grants and/or proposals.
Ability to communicate clearly and work in a team environment toward a common goal.
Knowledge of industry practices and standards, particularly for fabrication, qualification, and testing of materials and/or mechanical hardware.
Good working knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other standard office computer tools.

Nice To Haves

Relevant experience in the aerospace industry.
Active TS/SCI with POLY.
Experience testing mechanical hardware and/or materials characterization coupons, including test planning, execution, and/or data evaluation.
Experience fabricating metallography coupons and evaluating surfaces with microscopic techniques, including optical and scanning electron microscopy.
Experience with electronic circuits, strain gages, Wheatstone bridge sensors, thermocouples, linear variable differential transformers, pressure gages, and transducers.
Previous experience generating reports and/or presentations related to testing and experimentation.
Previous experience with spacecraft or scientific instrument materials or mechanical development activities.
Experience using Generative AI in technical science and engineering activities, including writing relevant prompts and evaluating outputs and sources for validity.
Experience interfacing with vendors, subcontractors, or University partners developing complex hardware for space applications.
Comfort working in a dynamic environment with multiple customers.

Responsibilities

Work independently on moderately complex materials engineering activities in day-to-day assignments under minor supervision, receiving instructions on new assignments.
Research, propose, and lead the capture of new materials development opportunities.
Support materials and processing through hardware design, manufacture, integration and test, and Assembly, Test and Launch Operations (ATLO).
Work in a dynamic, critical development test laboratory environment in JPL’s Materials Testing Laboratories service department.
Provide materials laboratory support for thermal vacuum testing, surface preparation, adhesive bonding, metallography, and other needs.
Partner with engineers to draft and execute sample testing plans.
Interface with project engineers and scientists to support a seamless engineering and science interface.
Provide work direction to other personnel or part-time students as needed.
Partner with engineers to generate engineering and fabrication requirements as needed.
Apply judgment to policies, procedures, and practices in new situations to determine appropriate action.
Consult with others as needed and participate on teams within and outside the organization.